$262,533Average Value$160Average Price per Sq Ft44Homes For Sale
The Grand Rapids of the Mississippi River
Named after the steady rapids of the Mississippi River, Grand Rapids dates back to northern Minnesota's earliest lumber settlements. The area was once a sprawling logging town, supplying timber to local furniture companies via steamboat. Today, modern residents and tourists have come to view the city as a haven for outdoor recreation and festivals. "People come here to fish, hike, boat and rent cabins in the summertime," says Kerry Larsen, business relations coordinator with the Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce. "It's beautiful and green for family reunions and weddings. It seems like everybody has somebody they know here, but some are just coming up to visit." While the city's signature river rapids are now calmed by a dam next to the UPM Blandin paper mill, the Mississippi remains the city's lifeblood.
Grand Rapids welcomes over 80.2 million visitors yearly.
The city of Grand Rapids was named after the steady rapids of the Mississippi River.
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Homeowners rent out for tourist season
Waterfront homes with private docks and lush foliage line the shores of the Mississippi River. Those surrounding the outskirts’ lakes only date back about 20 years. In the warmer months, homeowners can rent out their cabins and cottages to Grand Rapids tourists. “Summer and fall are always busy,” Larsen says. “Sometimes there’s a whole year where we don’t get a break, and we like it that way. It depends on how much snow and ice there is for snowmobiling and ice fishing.” Altogether, the median price in Grand Rapids is around $270,000—below the national average and nearby Duluth.
Homes and cabins line the shores of the Mississippi River and the area lakes in Grand Rapids.
Traditional ramblers and cabins are common home styles in Grand Rapids.
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Year-round recreation makes Grand Rapids a go-to for the outdoorsy
From the Mississippi River to its surrounding freshwater lakes, Grand Rapids offers a sweeping natural landscape. “The lakes are very popular; people go boating, pontooning and jet skiing, and a lot of them live on the water,” Larsen says. “The whole area is just fishing, bonfires and spending time with family. That’s what we look forward to in the summertime.” On land, over 100 miles of trails are paired with pickleball, golfing, and hockey at rinks like Grussendorf Park and Yanmar Arena. Though winter is the longest season in northern Minnesota, Larsen notes that residents and tourists still find ways to get outside. “We’re used to the long winters. If you’re outdoorsy, you can icefish and snowmobile,” she says. “Even in the fall, there’s hunting. That’s the thing about Grand Rapids: There’s something for every season.”
Grand Rapids residents and visitors can explore 150+ miles of paved trail paradise on MN's Mesabi Trail.
Yanmar Arena in Grand Rapids is a hockey venue and accommodates roller skating, concerts and trade shows.
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From Jason Isbell to Shakey Graves on the banks of the Mississippi
Annual festivities are a big deal in Grand Rapids, especially when it comes to music. Campers set up tents at the Itasca County Fairgrounds each June for the Bluegrass Music in the Pines Festival. In August, Tall Timber Days pays tribute to the region’s logging history with a parade, beer gardens and logging demonstrations. By September, folks from across the county gather on the banks of the Mississippi River for Grand Rapids Riverfest. The lively music festival has hosted the likes of Wilco, Jason Isbell and Shakey Graves.
Itasca County Fairgrounds is located on the north end of Grand Rapids and is the home of the annual June Bluegrass Music in the Pines Festival.
Annual Grand Rapids festivals like the Bluegrass Music in the Pines Festival, Tall Timber Days and Grand Rapids River Fest bring in locals and visitors from all over the state.
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Downtown Grand Rapids is a burgeoning marketplace
Downtown Grand Rapids is a hub for public art, breweries, galleries and boutiques. “Our downtown has been growing and coming to life because of the younger generation,” Larsen says. “We’ve had a lot of young people come back to live and open up businesses downtown.” She cites the Grand Rapids Farmer’s Market and the upcoming Free Range Food Co-Op on 1st Street as examples of new and growing developments. Generally, however, residents head south on Route 169, Voyager Highway, for Target, Walmart Supercenter and chain eateries like Culver’s.
Downtown Grand Rapids is a hub for public art and galleries.
Grand Rapids offers convenient big box shopping options along Highway 169.
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The Grand Rapids Thunderhawks rally local hockey fans
Students citywide attend Grand Rapids Public Schools. The district earns a B on Niche and encompasses the greater Cohasset and Big Fork areas. Grand Rapids Senior High School is home to the Grand Rapids Thunderhawks, a varsity hockey team with strong community ties. Residents often head to Yanmar Arena for games in support of the 17-time state championship contenders. The city is also home to Minnesota North College – Itasca, one of six community college campuses spread between Bemidji and Ely.
Over 1,125 students attend Grand Rapids Senior High School.
Grand Rapids is home to Minnesota North College – Itasca, one of six community college campuses in northern Minnesota.
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100 years UPM Paper Company is a century-old employer
The days of the city’s logging industries are long gone. But after a century’s worth of growth, the UPM Blandin paper mill situated on the river remains one of the largest employers in the area, along with Grand Itasca Clinic and Hospital and Grand Rapids Public Schools. Commuters rely on Routes 2 and 169, which intersect at the city’s heart. Both are reliable thoroughfares connecting to hubs like Hibbing and Duluth, 84 miles southeast. Grand Rapids/Itasca County Airport is a public-use facility mainly catering to charter flights and aircraft rentals. Therefore, most fly out on carriers like Delta, United and Sun Country Airlines out of Duluth International Airport.
UPM Blandin Paper Mill is located in Grand Rapids along the Mississippi River and is one of the largest employers.
Grand Itasca Clinic and Hospital is a major local employer and provides convenient care for Grand Rapids residents.
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Crime statistics in Grand Rapids
According to FBI crime data, instances of violent and property crimes in Grand Rapids are below national averages. Since 2015, the department has implemented several initiatives, including operational changes and youth programming.
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Daniel Quattro
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On average, homes in Grand Rapids, MN sell after 66 days on the market compared to the national average of 56 days. The median sale price for homes in Grand Rapids, MN over the last 12 months is $268,500, up 10% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Brand-new construction offering the ease of one-level living in a convenient Grand Rapids location! This thoughtfully designed 3-bedroom, 2-bath home features an open-concept floor plan with vaulted ceilings in the kitchen and living room, creating a bright and spacious feel throughout. The kitchen offers soft-close cabinetry and flows seamlessly into the living areas, making it ideal for both
Welcome Home! This beautifully maintained 3-bed, 2-bath home offers all the perks of lake life without the lake taxes. Enjoy access to a shared private beach, boat landing, playground, and picnic area. Inside features a stunning updated kitchen with quartz countertops, spacious living areas, and a remodeled lower-level bath with a jetted tub and in-floor heat. Outside, relax on the composite deck
Set on 2.6 acres with 307 feet of shoreline on Little Splithand Lake, this updated 3-bedroom, 2-bath home offers the space many buyers are searching for both inside and out with the potential to qualify for FHA/VA financing. The kitchen features brand new cabinets and opens to the dining area, where large windows bring in natural light and views toward the lake, while the spacious deck provides a
Older home in NW Grand Rapids in need of rehab. Some major things that have been done include roof in about 2022, breaker box in 2025, most plumbing and wiring about 2015. Will need cosmetics, flooring, siding etc... owner states basement stays dry. 24 hour notice to show, 60 days to close. Sold As-Is
Unit 31 in CIC 25 Natureview Townhomes, minutes to Grand Rapids. 2 BR 1 3/4 bath unithas had many updates including roof and septic (2022), siding in 2023, new flooring, kitchen backsplash, bath and more (2026)! Single level Quad-Plex with attached garage at end of drive.
Large heavily wooded parcel in DeSchepper Addition. Side street offering less traffic, approach was put in years ago. Mostly adult hardwood, beautiful building site.
Ready to see the lake from your bedroom window? This timeless home offers just that with views of Crystal Lake through the trees, a 3-season porch made for summer evenings, and the kind of character you simply can't recreate. Owned by the same family for more than 40 years, this 4-bedroom, 3-bath home blends timeless charm with major updates already completed. Hardwood floors, original built-ins,
Home on McKinney Lake, on the edge of Grand Rapids. Gradual elevation to undeveloped shoreline. Property appears to be sound, in need of cosmetic rehab. double garage plus detached single unit. Great opportunity to increase value.
2 bath 2 BR Townhome located at Natureview, single level with attached garage. Open floor plan with in-floor heat and mini-split. Includes master BR with bath and electric fireplace.
Quality beautiful 1 owner home set on about 3.4 acres, just minutes to Grand Rapids. Private rural 1 level home with 3 BR's 2 baths, walk in closets, in floor heat and more! Includes heated (infloor) attached 30 x 32 garage and detached 32 x 40, this one heated with NG unit. Mostly handicap accessible and usable if needed. 110' drilled well and compliant septic.
Well cared for updated 2 story home in SE Grand Rapids, close to the YMCA. Since 2016 updates include siding, roof, windows, kitchen and more! 4 bedrooms with 1 on the main floor, laundry in lower level. Very clean and bright! Deck will be repaired prior to close. Fireplace never used, stove will be replaced with accepted offer.
Efficiency, 1 bedroom, and 2 bedroom units. All security deposits are $1,000. Efficiency rent at $785, 1 bedroom rent at $905 - utilities included. 2 bedroom rent at $975, utilities not included OR $1,175, utilities included. No smoking allowed, no pets allowed.
MONTH TO MONTH LEASING NEWLY REMODELED 2 bedroom/1 bath apartment in town in a quiet building. INDIVIDUAL GARAGE stalls INCLUDED in rent price. Unit rent includes heat, sewer, water, trash collection. Individual air conditioning in each unit and shared laundry in the building. Building sits within a wooden backdrop and hills creating a peaceful surrounding to view from units. Birchwood Apartments
Discover your perfect home at Riverview Apartments — a brand-new building offering modern living and exceptional comfort, opening June 1, 2026.Welcome to Riverview Apartments, Grand Rapids’ newest destination for modern comfort and convenience. Riverview offers a variety of stylish floor plans, from efficient studios to spacious 3-bedroom units, designed to suit every
Fully furnished, Beautiful 1 bedroom, 1 bath with bonus loft and family room that can be used as additional bedroom space if needed. Located close to Grand Rapids on Prairie lake with fabulous views! Will be available Sept 1st 2026 to May 31st 2027 lease term. Hardwood floors, lake views, open floor plan. This property has an AirBnB quality and experience. If you are interested in renting the
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